The Gifts Keep Coming!

Hurry on over to amazon for a free dowload of  my single title release WHISPERS.  This is a full lenght novel for free.  Read an excerpt.  Don't have a kindle?  Download the app for your new tablet or Ipad on amazon OR download the PC app--it's easy and free.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006G75O6G/

Reviews:

“Quinn is an author to watch. [Whispers has] beautifully descriptive prose, masterful characterization and tightly knit story” RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars, April 2006


“A chilling tale of ghosts and curses, WHISPERS immediately pulls you in and won't let you go...” Fresh Fiction

5 out of 5. “Be prepared to pull an all-nighter, because you’ll want to read this book in one sitting! WHISPERS is a keeper” CK2s Kwips and Kritiques

A gift for you...Free copy of Shiver at Twilight

Happy Holidays!

You might have heard how much I love my readers—well here is proof! For three days only, I am giving away my novella, A SHIVER AT TWILIGHT for FREE. That’s right, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza or simply Happy Holidays! Spread the word, tell your friends—Enjoy the FREE giveaway of A SHIVER AT TWILIGHT on these days only:

• Thursday, December 22
• Friday, December 23 

And, for all of you who find eReaders under the tree, I’ve added another day:

• Saturday, December 25

If you don't have the amazon software, you can find the link to download it on your PC and get the free download here (scroll down to Shiver at Twilight section).  If you already have a Kindle or Kindle sofware, go to A SHIVER AT TWILIGHT on Amazon to download for free. And don’t forget, KISSING KRIS KRINGLE—a fun, sexy novella available in all eReader formats for just 99 cents (ho, ho ho)! Is just the thing to get you in the spirit!

Want to know more about my books? Go to http://www.erinquinnbooks.com/Books.htmwhere you can see reviews and read first chapters.

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year!

Erin

www.erinquinnbooks.com

Two chances to win today!

I'm blogging in two places today (clone me, lol!)  There's a different giveaway at each one.  Go to:  http://angelaguillaume.blogspot.com/2011/12/rev-up-wednesday-catching-up-with-erin.html  AND http://modokkerbookpicks.blogspot.com/2011/12/book-review-and-giveaway-kissing-kris.html and leave a comment to be entered to win!

Order Erin’s Books:

Chronological book list with character tie-ins
Amazon     Barnes & Noble      Books-a-Million    Indie Bound

Sale, sale, sale -- and great reviews!

Kissing Kris Kringle, on sale for 99 cents!
Whispers, on sale for $2.99
Echoes, on sale for $2.99
Shiver at Twilight, on sale for 99 cents!

Plus I'm giving away books in two places today.

First, go to My Book Addiction for a chance to win Haunting Desire.

Second, go to Wall-to-Wall books for a chance to win Kissing Kris Kringle.

What are they saying?

The Book Reading Gals:
"Once again I had the chance to read a nice little novella by an author that I have come to love; will even go so far as to say she is my all time favorite find of 2011 – yep Erin Quinn has done it again with a little Christmas magic.  What more can you ask for than a charming little town that embraces the Christmas season, even during the hard times, people who gather together to bring joy into each others lives, and miracles that happen when least expected. Let alone characters that you quickly fall in love with and want to hear more about hint-hint Erin.  If you are one who loves these fabulous holiday romances than you will not want to miss this one!"   Grade A

Wall-to-Wall Books
"Loved it!!!! What a perfectly adorable little Christmas treat! I liked it from the beginning, but then on page 16, when the magic started - I fell in love with it! It was cute, cute, cute on every page! I think it takes a lot of writing talent to be able to write a short story or Novella and give it the same feel as a book of 350 pages. Erin does a wonderful job of setting the scene and developing characters in a very short time (105 pages). I did not feel that this was lacking in any way." 

Get in the spirit, for only 99 cents!

My friends Calista Fox, Mary Leo and I had so much fun writing our Halloween stories, that we decided to give a go at Christmas stories.  We brainstormed a small town in north Maine, the premise, and the three of us wrote stories of three friends who have some crazy Christmas magic happening after a night of Christmas cheer!

All three stories are short eReads for only 99 cents!  Better than Black Friday deals, ha ha.

You can get details on all three at:  http://bookswelove.net/bookswelove.php

Or on amazon: 

Kissing Kris Kringle, by Erin Quinn
Naughty St. Nick, by Calista Fox
Romancing Rudy Raindear, by Mary Leo

4 Books for the price of 3 and free shipping

Haunting Beauty is part of amazon's buy 4 for the price of 3 promotion!  Buy any 4 eligible items and get the lowest-priced item free.  And check out the other great deals you can get on the Mists of Ireland series!

Have you read....

Novellas are great when you have a busy life.  They make the perfect distraction when you're waiting for a doctor appointment, your kid's game to start, the dentist...  Here are three stories linked by the theme of ghosts and romance.  (What are you thinking?  Of COURSE they go together!)  You can buy them separately or together in print form.  Want to know more?  Go to Books We Love where you'll find information about these and other great stories!

"All I can say is wow. All three of these were really delighful romances if not a bit scary and creepy too. The perfect mix." Modokker's Book Picks.

A Shiver at Twilight.  Buy links for all eFormats at Books We Love.  Amazon:  $2.99

In Quinn’s A Shiver at Twilight, a tragedy from the past haunts the house where Carly and JD are trapped for one terrifying Halloween night. The sparks fly between the two of them, but will they survive to explore the flames of passion they ignite? Leave the lights—and a fan—on!

A Chill at Twilight.  Buy links for all eFormats at Books We Love.  Amazon: $2.99

In Fox’s A Chill at Twilight, Rachel Holt succumbs to the fantasies that have haunted her mind for years, all starring a sexy cowboy named Luc Winston. But there’s a ghost in Onyx, Texas haunting her in reality...

A Shadow at Twilight.  Buy links for all eFormats at Books We Love.  Amazon: $2.99

In Leo’s A Shadow at Twilight, uptight, but ever so sexy, Dillon Spencer, gets a second chance at life when his spirit takes up residency in Hilly Thomson's room at a hotel haunted by some rather notorious and opinionated ghosts.

A Touch of Twilight Print (all 3 stories):  $10.23
Touch of Twilight offers a sweet and sexy collection of ghost stories by award-winning authors Calista Fox and Erin Quinn, and Harlequin author Mary Leo. In Fox’s A Chill at Twilight, Rachel Holt succumbs to the fantasies that have haunted her mind for years, all starring a sexy cowboy named Luc Winston. But there’s a ghost in Onyx, Texas haunting her in reality... In Leo’s A Shadow at Twilight, uptight, but ever so sexy, Dillon Spencer, gets a second chance at life when his spirit takes up residency in Hilly Thomson's room at a hotel haunted by some rather notorious and opinionated ghosts. And in Quinn’s A Shiver at Twilight, a tragedy from the past haunts the house where Carly and JD are trapped for one terrifying Halloween night. The sparks fly between the two of them, but will they survive to explore the flames of passion they ignite? Leave the lights—and a fan—on!

Trick or Treat? Win a Nook, Kindle or one of 100s of prizes

Who says Halloween is just for kids?  This weekend has fabulous Halloween surprises going on all over the Internet!

First, stop over to the The Romance Studio where 100s of authors are giving away books and The Romance Studio is giving away NOOKs!  (I think they have 2 in their drawing!)

Then, , jump on over to Writerspace where you can join dozens of your favorite authors at the 2011 Halloween Mash Sunday, tonight--October 30th from 8pm ET to 11pm ET--for your chance to win Kindles, tons of autographed books, advance release copies plus special treats like gift cards and more.  Writerspace is giving away multiple Kindles, so don't miss out!

USA Today Books Happy*Ever*After

I'm so excited to be featured on USA Today Books!  Stop by and check out my interview.  I'd love it if you left a comment!  http://books.usatoday.com/happyeverafter/post/2011-10-24/interview-erin-quinn-author-of-haunting-embrace/557167/1

Speaking of Haunting Embrace.....

I'm the guest blogger over at Fresh Fiction today, talking about Áedán, the conflicted hero of that story.

Stop by and say hi.  I'm giving away a copy of Haunting Warrior, the 2nd book in the Mists of Ireland Series just for talking to me.  http://freshfiction.com/page.php?id=3700

Spotlight on: Lisa Kessler!

You've heard me say it before and you'll hear me say it again--the best part of being an author is all the people I get to meet.  Lisa Kessler is one of them.  I can't remember where we first met, but we renewed our friendship at the RomCon in Denver this summer, sitting line to have our fortunes told.  When Lisa let me know her novel was coming out, I couldn't wait to shout out about it.  So, without further ado, please welcome Lisa Kessler!

PS:  Be sure to leave Lisa a comment.  She's giving away signed Night Walker romance trading cards and a digital copy of Across the Veil to one lucky commenter!

_________________________________________________

Romance Writers Rock

Thank you to Erin Quinn for inviting me to her blog today!

My first paranormal romance, Night Walker, was released in August, but before I became a debut author, I was a romance reader who loved meeting authors. (Okay I still am, but you know what I mean, right? :)

Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to meet many of my favorite romance authors at book signings and conferences. I’ve emailed with others too, but the unifying trait that I found with romance and urban fantasy authors was this.

These amazing writers love their readers!!!

And as my book got closer to publication, I discovered another romance author trait… Many romance authors spend lots of time helping and encouraging new writers. As a debut author, the biggest hurdle has been to get the word out about my book. Since I’m a new writer, just building a readership, most people aren’t going to know to search for my book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. I was stunned by the support I received from established romance authors.

(Note from Erin--Lisa is such a lovely, warm person, who wouldn't want to support her?  :)

When I stepped across the line, from romance reader to romance author, many published authors, like Erin, offered to let me guest blog, they posted on facebook and tweeted on twitter. I get teary-eyed thinking about the fabulous women who have helped me on this journey.

What other industry in this competitive world we live in would be so welcoming?

At the RWA National Conference this summer, NYT Bestselling Author, Sherrilyn Kenyon gave an inspiring speech about her publishing journey and reminded us that there is room on the NYT list for everyone. She encouraged writers to support each other and stand together while the publishing world shifts.

I’ve been doing my best to reach out to readers through social media, (and giving away lots of romance trading cards! LOL) but without the help of amazing romance authors like Erin Quinn, I’m pretty sure I’d still be treading water!

(another side note from Erin...aww, shucks.  Lisa, I'm a firm believer in paying it forward.  If you get to that NYT list before, remember me, ok?  :)
So what kind of cool experiences have you had meeting authors? Any fun stories to share?

Lisa

You can find Lisa all over the web at:
http://lisakessler.wordpress.com/
http://twitter.com/LdyDisney
http://facebook.com/LisaKesslerWriter
http://facebook.com/NightSeries

Night Walker

He gave up his soul for a second chance to love her…

Two and a half centuries ago, Calisto Terana lost everything when a zealous priest murdered the woman he loved. Now, desperate for another chance to love her, he wants redemption for the mistake that cost her life.

She’s haunted by dreams of her own death…

After catching her fiance with another woman, Kate Bradley returns to San Diego to clear her head. The last thing she needs is romance, but after meeting Calisto she’s drawn to him in ways she doesn’t understand.

They’ve waited in the shadows for centuries…

Calisto has no doubt Kate is the reincarnation of his lost love, but the Fraternidad Del Fuego Santo has a new watcher with dark ambitions of his own. As old enemies reemerge and a new threat arises, the betrayal that enslaved Calisto to the night might destroy the only woman he’s ever loved again.

Learn more about Nightwalker at http://www.entangledpublishing.com/night-walker/ .

Don't forget to leave Lisa a comment. She's giving away signed Night Walker romance trading cards and a digital copy of Across the Veil to one lucky commenter!



Are you a writer?

Are you looking for a way to become a better writer or meet the publishing professionals you'll need to further your career?  Take advantage of this opporunity to attend one of the best conferences in the country.  For the past six years, I've been donating a scholarship to the San Diego State University Writers Conference to one lucky writer.  Learn more and enter for the scholarship. 

Spotlight on: Rayka Mennen

One of the biggest benefits of being an author is getting to meet so many other authors!  Rayka and I met at the Desert Dreams Writers Conference a couple of years ago and have been friends ever since.  Not only is she a highly successful business woman, Rayka has a wonderful imagination and is working on several books which I know will be great.

Her debut novella, Enchanted Destiny, just released and I'm thrilled to have here today talking about it!  Without further ado, please welcome Rayka Mennen!


(RM):  Erin, thanks for hosting me here today. I am so excited about my new release Enchanted Destiny, which has been getting 4 star reviews. One reviewer even said she gave it a 4 because she wanted to read more! I was a little worried about this book which doesn’t have a vampire, demon, or shapeshifter anywhere in sight. It’s about a witch dealing with the fact that she’s suddenly confronted with a vision of her destined soul mate and how she and her hero come to terms with it. I love writing their characters, and about Kat’s extended magical family. I’d love to chat with folks so stop by my website anytime: http://www.raykamennen.com/ or drop me a line at raykamennen (at) gmail.com.

Enchanted Destiny by Rayka Mennen

Destiny’s never looked so good.

Kat never believed she’d fall victim to her family’s stories about destined soul mates—she makes her own fate, thank you very much. When she walks by a construction site and admires the same sexy architect for the zillionth time in a week, the last thing she expects is to be slammed by a vision of his death.

Which activates the spell that will change their lives forever.

Jake is a single dad with a singular focus—create a stable life for him and his son. His ex-wife cured him of any desire to fall in love, but when an intriguing woman saves him from what should’ve been a deadly accident, he can’t shake his fascination. Too bad she’s crazy, claiming she’s a witch and that they’re soul mates—not exactly the “stable life” he had in mind.

Kat’s destiny comes with a deadline. If they don’t fall in love by her twenty-fifth birthday—a mere three weeks away—Jake will never find the peace he seeks and Kat will lose her magic forever.

Buy from:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble 

Diesel 

Books on Board 

Powell’s Books

Top Pick for Haunting Embrace

It doesn't get much better than this.  :)  "Erin Quinn has been the talented mind behind these stories that will leave you enchanted. Kudos! Great characters, great plot twists, and sizzling emotions that bring about a conclusion I thoroughly enjoyed with ever page I turned."

Read full review.

Blogging today with Barbara White Daille

I am blogging with Barbara White Daille today--if you haven't read her she's a fabulous Harlequin author.  Stop by and say hi!  There's a giveaway of course!  http://barbarawhitedaille.com/guest-blogger/guest-blogger-erin-quinn-2

Leave a review...win a book

Hi everyone, two more fun contests going. 

Be one of the first 3 to review Touch of Twilight on Amazon and/or B&N and be entered to win 1 of 3 books by Erin Quinn, Calista Fox or Mary Leo.   (We are each giving one away.)  Just leave your review and then email calistafox13(at)yahoo.com to collect your prize! Hurry! Buy the book here: Amazon (other eFormats will be coming soon--should be live by the end of the week--sorry for the delay).

Be one of the first 4 to review Haunting Embrace by Erin Quinn and win your choice of eBook or Print of ECHOES by Erin Quinn!  Just leave your review and email me at write2erinquinn (at) aol.com to collect your prize!  Amazon   B&N

Good luck!

Hot off the Press! A Touch of Twilight

Just released today, A TOUCH OF TWILIGHT, featuring Erin Quinn, Calista Fox, and Mary Leo.  Three sultry and sexy ghost stories just in time for Halloween.  Print version coming soon.  And yes that is cover model Jimmy Thomas you see.  :)


Touch of Twilight offers a sweet, sultry and sexy collection of ghost stories by Harlequin author Mary Leo, and award-winning authors Erin Quinn and Calista Fox. In Fox’s A Chill at Twilight, memories of a sexy cowboy named Luc Winston haunt Rachel Holt’s mind, but there’s a ghost in Onyx, Texas haunting her in reality... In Leo’s A Shadow at Twilight, uptight, but ever so sexy, Dillon Spencer, gets a second chance at life when his spirit takes up residency in Hilly Thomson's room at a hotel haunted by some rather notorious and opinionated ghosts. And in Quinn’s A Shiver at Twilight, a tragedy from the past haunts the house where Carly and JD are trapped for one terrifying Halloween night. The sparks fly between the two of them, but will they survive to explore the flames of passion they ignite?

Leave the lights—and a fan—on!

A Shiver at Twilight
Erin Quinn

Destiny brings them together, but ghosts of the past try to tear them apart . . . .

When Carly Ryan answers her friend's SOS on Halloween, she has no idea she'll end up stranded in a haunted house. But circumstances conspire against Carly and her rescue mission soon becomes a night of terror. Only the appearance of JD Dover helps her fight off the ghosts that lurk in every corner. Sexy, capable and undaunted, JD is more than happy to be Carly's knight in shining armor. Despite the creaking walls and eerie footsteps, despite the inexplicable ghostly happenings, Carly and JD can’t fight the attraction that consumes them and the passion that burns in their blood. Their coming together feels fated, but is it destiny or something more sinister that has drawn them to this haunted house? As they explore the attraction flaring between them, they fight to stay alive—but neither can guess the identity of the enemy they face or the lengths to which that enemy will go to cover up its sins.

A Chill at Twilight 
By Calista Fox

Hell Hath No Fury Like a Best Friend Scorned…

With her country music career in a downward spiral, Rachel Holt returns to her hometown of Onyx, Texas. There, a sexy cowboy named Luc Winston and a ghost as ominous as the town’s namesake awaits her. Not only is the ghost of Rachel’s best friend, who died seven years ago, haunting the Whispering Willow Inn where Rachel is staying, she’s terrorizing Rachel.

Believing Peyton’s ghost feels slighted by her long absence and her sizzling, rekindled romance with too-hot-to-handle Luc, Rachel tries to make amends with the scorned spirit. Only to discover a web of secrets and lies that leave her questioning whether Peyton’s death was an accident, as reported…or murder.

But can she survive the ghost’s fury long enough to get to the truth?

A Shadow at Twilight
Mary Leo

When is love enough? 

Hilly Thomson must once again give up her much-anticipated vacation in favor of her overbearing boss’s needs. Granted, her boss, Dillon Spencer, is now in a deep coma from a nasty car accident, but still…

To make matters worse, his spirit keeps appearing, mostly while she’s in the shower, asking questions and teasing her with his charm and sexy good looks. Before long this kinder, gentler Dillon has won her heart. But Dillon wasn’t alone in his car on that snowy road, and when he learns of the tragedy surrounding the accident his desire to return to his life is in question. Now Hilly, with the help of a few spunky, notoriously famous hotel ghosts, must convince Dillon that his life is worth fighting for, and nothing in this world or any other world can stop her from loving him, not even the threat of his returning to his old overbearing self.

Haunting Embrace Book Launch!

I have so many exciting things going on this month.  First--blog tour!  I'll be talking about Haunting Embrace, being a writer, sharing exclusive excerpts and giving away prizes all month.  Pick a date and come by to say hi!

September 30, Much Cheaper than Therapy
October 4, Writerspace
October 5, Romance at Random
October 6, Modokker Book Picks
October 7, Manic Readers
October 14, Barbara White Daille's blog (guest author appearance)
October 18, Book of Secrets
October 19, Chat, Writerspace
October 22, Fresh Fiction
October 26, Babs Book Bistro
October 27, My Book Addiction Reviews
October 31--Nervous Breakdown.  Address TBD.  :)

Haunting Embrace by Erin Quinn Book Trailer

Spread the Word!

I have been so excited about this contest!  I need YOUR help getting the word out on my books and so I'm giving away some great prizes to encourage your help.  :)  View a enlarged photo of the prizes.

Between now and October 31, you could win 1 of 6 fabulous conference bags packed with books, SWAG and other cool stuff. All you have to do is TALK ABOUT ERIN’S BOOKS and tell others to spread the word.


1. Talk about Erin’s books on Facebook.  First, like http://www.facebook.com/ErinQuinnAuthur  (yes, Author is misspelled, yes there was vodka involved, no, according to FB, I can never, ever get it fixed).  Next  talk about my books on YOUR page so your friends see it and mention @Erin Quinn Author--this will link it to my page).  Share your post and encourage others to help spread the word—then fill out the form here to enter.

2. Tweet about Erin’s books and mention @ErinQuinnAuthor (spelled correctly that time), encourage others to help spread the word—then fill out the form here.

3. Blog about my books or review them on your website and...you guessed it, fill out the form here.

You can enter every single time you talk about Erin’s books to better your chances of winning--so don't forget to fill out the form each time you mention me or my books! These bags have so much cool stuff in them—I’ve been collecting it for a year and now I can’t wait to give them away! So help me spread the word! Releases to talk about:

ECHOES (re-release), came out August 15 for the low, low eBook price of $2.99 and print price of (coming soon).

HAUNTING BEAUTY (re-release—Book 1 in the Mists of Ireland series) comes out September 1. eBook and print $7.99.

HAUNTING EMBRACE (Book 4 in the Mists of Ireland series) comes out October 1. Pre-order eBook $9.99, Print 10.09 (33% savings!).

To enter, go here:  http://www.erinquinnbooks.com/Spread_the_Word.htm

ECHOES available now in eBook and print

I blogged about this over at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, but wanted to share it here as well!  My second novel and first paranormal romance, ECHOES, is now available in both print and eBook formats! You can buy the eBook now for only $2.99 on Amazon and other eRetailers and the print book through Amazon for only $13.70. ECHOES is the winner of the WILLA award for historical fiction, The Orange Rose (now called Book Buyers Best) and a double finalist in the Golden Quill and the Booksellers Best (both as romantic suspense and paranormal romance).


ECHOES was a novel that I simply had to write. I was obsessed with the story and I wanted to tell it from the moment the idea began to blossom. ECHOES is about a woman haunted by a past life. As circumstances in her current life trigger flashbacks, she comes to realize that history is repeating—bringing her together with the man she was destined to love, but also reuniting her with a man who brings violence and death. Want to learn more? Go to http://www.erinquinnbooks.com/

The idea of reincarnation has always fascinated me. If you’ve read any of my books, you might have noticed the theme that runs through them: Time is not set in stone nor is it linear; rather time (in Erin’s World) is fluid and circular. And death is not always final. Hey, don’t judge me. It’s my world and I can do what I want with it. J

I have two re-releases and two new releases coming out between now and October 15, so I’m going to be asking readers to help me spread the word. And to help YOU help ME, I’m doing a fun giveaway. Details will be coming very soon, but the gist—talk about my books and enter to win one of six conference bags packed with books (8 or more in each bag) and SWAG galore. To find out more, sign up for my newsletter so you’ll be the first to know how it works. But here is a sneak peak and what I’m giving away. Click on the image to get a better look. And I'm still adding to them!

Erin Quinn and cover model Jimmy Thomas

This picture was taken at AZ Dreamin' Readers event--an event that was more fun than I can describe.  If you're a reader and you want to meet authors, participate in some fun activities and talk about our favorite topic--BOOKS--then you should really try to come next year.  I will post more on this later, but for now, wanted to share the picture.  (and yes, all those muscles are real and every bit as rock hard as I have described them in books, lol).

Jimmy was nice enough to agree to the pictures with AZ Dreamin' participants and to donate all proceeds to charity.  (of course I was so flustered after the picture, I forgot what charity the proceeds went to--but suffice to say someone benefited, ha ha)

Another great moment caught on film--me, Sylvia Day and Cindy Gerard at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver Colorado this past weekend for RomCon--another great reader's event that was such a blast.

Welcome author Julia Rachel Barnett

Recently I was a finalist in the paranormal catagory of the Booksellers Best contest (and I won!!!) which was very exciting.  I was so thrilled by it all, that I started reading some of the other finalists in both paranormal and historical which are my favorite categories.  Almost as thrilling as being one of the final few in this contest, was the great new authors I discovered.  I absolutely LOVE discovering new authors--although sometimes I don't manage to discover them until late in their careers, lol. 

One of the first books from Booksellers Best that I read blew me away.  Titled CAPTURED by Julia Rachel Barnett, it's a fast-paced science fiction story that shouldn't have been my cup of tea (because I don't read much science fiction) but it totally was.  The heroine is so tough and likeable, and the hero such a great man who changes so much.  I really thought it was great.  No surprise, this book won the Best First Book category in the contest!

I ask Julia to stop by and blog with me and I was thrilled when she agreed.  So, without further ado, I welcome Julia Rachel Barnett to Quinn's Essentials!  Be sure to leave a comment because Julia is giving away an autographed copy of Captured to one lucky commenter!

_________________________________

Captured

When Erin read my science fiction novella, Captured, and invited me to write a guest post for her blog, I was thrilled, humbled, excited and nervous - she is so far out of my league. But, how could I turn down such a generous offer to talk about Captured?

This book is such a big part of me. I am in love with the story and the two main characters, Mari and Ekkatt. The truth is, the book began as a dream. It may sound odd, but while I was in the middle of working on a four-book science fiction series, I dreamed Captured from start to finish. I stopped the series and wrote Captured in three weeks. It wasn’t all that hard, I simply recorded the dream, conversations and all. Thus Ekkatt and Mari sort of sprang from the top of my head fully-formed like a fantasy Athena.

The novella is a bit of a morality play. Mari is a woman captured for the meat market by trappers from advanced species, a species that officially considers us to be at the same evolutionary level as apes. While Ekkatt’s people, the Atun, are vegetarians, many other species in his quadrant of the galaxy have developed a taste for human flesh and the trade is quite lucrative. Humans are an oddity, a curiosity. The species populating the planets Ekkatt is familiar with are singular. For example, all Ekkatt’s people have black hair, bronze skin and yellow eyes, while we come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. He notices Mari because he is attracted by the sun shining off her red hair.

When Mari wakes from stasis during the voyage and Ekkatt has the opportunity to interact with her, he gradually comes to the disturbing realization that everything he’s been taught about humans is a lie. While humans may not be as technologically advanced as the Atun, they are every bit as intelligent and civilized, and most important, they possess a soul, the one thing the religious authorities of Atun insist a human does not possess.

Once Ekkatt’s eyes are opened, he cannot close them again and he is rocked by what he’s done; he’s sent sentient beings to their deaths. His entire world view is upended. Overwhelmed by guilt, he decides that although he cannot save all the cargo, he will risk everything to save this one human woman.

Thus begins the impossible love story of Mari and Ekkatt. I think it’s a beautiful tale. If a reader asked me to recommend only one of my books, I would recommend Captured.

____________________

A word from your sponsor (Erin):  Sounds great, right?  It is.  And if you want to know more about Julia's books, here is the blurb from her next novel, INCORPOREAL.

Sara Wise is sick of ghosts. They’ve haunted her since she was a child, destroying her family, endangering her life. When an incorporeal being appears in her shower, she curses him soundly and orders him out, but this ghost is sticky. Not only does he invade her shower, he moves into her home, invading her dreams, sharing her bed. The reluctant Sara finds herself falling in love with a dead man.

Despite Sara’s objections, Natan de Manua isn’t permitted to leave. Protecting the woman is both his penance and his means to redemption. She’s not easy to protect, she fights him nearly every step of the way, except in her bed. Nathan may have come to regain his soul, but instead he risks losing his heart.

You can find more about Julia at:  http://juliarachelbarrett.net/

To purchase Incorpreal: http://amzn.to/mTvA1j


To purchase Captured:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/htzG6t

Siren: http://www.bookstrand.com/captured





Romance novel convention comes to Denver

This weekend I was at RomCon in Denver, Colorado. I got to meet so many new readers and it was a wonderful experience. Fox 31 in Denver covered the conference and if you watch closely, you'll see that I made a cameo. :)

Romance novel convention comes to Denver

New release I just have to shout about! Kathryne Kennedy's The Lady of the Storm

Kathryne Kennedy is one of my favorite authors.  Her stories are so rich in imagination and romance that I always fall in love with her people and her world.  I've been lucky enough to be a pre-reader for the last few of her books and now that THE LADY OF THE STORM is coming out, I can't wait to read it again.  Read more or what the video (below)!

One lucky commenter will get a copy of The Lady of the Storm so be sure to say hi!
THE LADY OF THE STORM BY KATHRYNE KENNEDY—IN STORES AUGUST 2011


Giles is bound to protect her...

In a kingdom viciously ruled by warlike elven lords, village blacksmith Giles Beaumont reluctantly swears to protect the half-elf, half-human Cecily Sutton, never dreaming that he will fall under her enchanting spell.

But duty soon turns to desire...

When Cecily's father disappears, Cecily and Giles set out to find him. But, as their journey unfolds, duty is quickly replaced by desire—and the search for Cecily's father leads to a magical destiny that could end the rule of the elven lords forever...

“Fantastical creatures, magical spells, lengthy quests, angst, and passion will satisfy readers looking for a romance plot in a well-developed fantasy setting."~Publishers Weekly

“Kennedy’s exquisite world building and terrific plotting make this a must-read.”~Booklist STARRED review Amazon

You will find THE LADY OF THE STORM on sale at all your local bookstores or buy at:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Borders
BooksAMillion
Chapters/Indigo
Kathryne’s Bookseller Directory

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathryne Kennedy is an acclaimed, best-selling, award-winning author of magical romances. She welcomes readers to visit her website where she has ongoing contests at www.kathrynekennedy.com. She’s lived in Guam, Okinawa, and several states in the U.S., and currently lives with her wonderful family in Arizona, where she is working on the next book in The Elven Lords series, The Lord of Illusion (February 2012).

Haunting Desire--Recommended Read....

It's always exciting when a reader "gets" your books.  It's just as thrilling when that reader is also a reviewer.  Just in on Two Lips Reviews, a top rating Recommended Read.  A snippet of what she had to say:

"Haunting Desire by Erin Quinn is a passionate love story set within a complex backdrop of vividly described scenery and horrifying monsters. This is truly a unique and compelling read that sucked me in from the start and didn’t let go until the incredible ending......Tiarnan makes the ideal hero with a mix of strength and vulnerability. And Shealy is his perfect heroine with her determination and force of will that refuses to see failure as an option. Ms. Quinn weaves an unforgettable tale that will leave you yearning for more. An absolute must-read!"

Gotta love that!

Digital Digest: Interview with Erin Quinn

I'm talking about writing and other stuff over at Digital Digest. Come on by and say hi! Leave me a comment and I'll enter you for an autographed book!

Digital Digest: Interview with Erin Quinn: "I nterview with Erin Quinn Author of The Mist of Ireland Series By Shannan Albright I want to thank you Erin for taking the time out of yo..."

And the winner is....

Congratulations to LeAnne of Birch River West Virginia.  LeAnne has won my Thank You to My Readers prize pack with books, Mists of Ireland swag and a bookstore giftcard!  Want to learn about events like this so you can enter?  Sign up for my newsletter

Life or something like it

I wonder if anyone in today's world doesn't feel like every day is a juggling act.  Family, career, responsibilities, friends, pets....  Some days it's just flat out impossible to keep all my balls in the air. 

The past month has been especially hard.  I've been on the road a lot.  I like to travel, but I am a quintessential homebody.  I look forward to just being home.  My husband travels way more than I do and I know I'd be miserable in that kind of job. 

So for me, traveling (in a non-vacation capacity, of course) is grueling.  It messes up my schedule and it exhausts me.  I don't sleep at the same times, I don't get up at the same times, and I don't do anything else at the same times either.  In June, I did a week-long series of meetings in Santa Clara, California and then I turned around, spent a few brief days at home and did another week-long conference (Romance Writers of America National conference where I met on of my favorite authors, Nalini Singh!) in New York City, New York.  A few days back from that and I was off to Utah to stay with my critique partner and brainstorm our new books.  I get a couple of weeks respite before I head to Denver, Colorado to see my sister and attend RomCon.  (If you're in the area, you should come see me there.  It's a fun conference and not too hard on the pocketbook either.  Plus if you use my reg code you get $20 off).

Anyway, during all this, my oldest child has been in Spain acting as an au pair to five year old twins and my youngest has been in summer mode (which means she and her girl friends have sleep overs almost every night, stay up late and sleep until the afternoon).  I see her for about 10 minutes a day.  My husband and I have managed to high-five each other as we pass at the front door.  The dogs and I have managed to spend some quality time together...but only just.  :)

And somewhere in there I've been trying to help spread the word about the two releases I have coming up.  Haunting Beauty will be having a re-release in mass market paperback (originally published in Trade paperback in 8/09.  If you've been meaning to read it, you'll find it in bookstores again in September!)

Haunting Embrace, the last in my Mists of Ireland series (at least for now) will be out in October 2011.  I am really excited about this one!  The trailer will be coming soon so I can share the story line with you.

Anyway, that's my summer in a nutshell--juggling.  How has yours been?